Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities in Gboko, Benue State

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Nigerian Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 are landmark frameworks that recognize and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Despite these legal provisions, youths and women with disabilities in rural communities, such as those in Benue State, continue to face significant barriers, including discrimination, marginalization, and limited access to education, employment, and healthcare. These challenges perpetuate poverty and hinder their ability to fully realize their rights.

Challenges in Rural Benue State

Five years after Nigeria passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities in rural areas like Gboko still endure stigma, isolation, and inadequate legal protection. Limited awareness of disability rights further exacerbates their struggles, particularly for young people and women who face compounded barriers due to their gender and disability status. These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to empower these marginalized groups.

Hope Alive for Possibi okn response to these challenges, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) hosted a two-day training program for women and girls with disabilities in Gboko. The training aimed to enhance their capacity to advocate for their rights, engage constructively with stakeholders, and take active roles in community development.

Key outcomes of the training include:

1. Capacity Building: Participants gained knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for their rights and challenge discrimination.

2. Network Establishment: A network of youth with disabilities was established to promote peer learning, collaboration and support.

3. Women’s Leadership: Measures were explored to strengthen a strong network of women with disabilities who will lead disability rights advocacy in their communities.

Alignment with CRPD and SDGs

This initiative aligns with several articles of the CRPD, including:

Article 5: Equality and non-discrimination. Article 6: Women with disabilities. Article 19: Living independently and being included in the community. Additionally, the training supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 5: Gender equality and SDG 10: Reduced inequalities.

Acknowledgments

This training was made possible through the generous funding and support of the Disability Rights Fund. Their commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities has enabled meaningful change in the lives of women and girls in Gboko.

Conclusion

The training marks a significant step toward empowering women and girls with disabilities in rural Benue State. By equipping them with the tools to advocate for their rights and fostering strong networks, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. However, sustained efforts are needed to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully realized, particularly in rural areas where challenges remain pervasive.

Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of disability or gender, can live with dignity and achieve their full potential.